Definitely Dead

I've long been a fan of Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire series. Definitely Dead is the sixth installment (not including two novellas):

As a person with so few living relatives, Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse really hated to lose one. But she never guessed that it would be her cousin Hadley--a consort of the vampire queen of New Orleans. After all, technically speaking, Hadley was already dead. And now, as unexpected heir to Hadley's estate, Sookie discovers the inheritence definitely comes with a risk.

Someone doesn't want Sookie looking too deeply into Hadley's past--or for that matter, Hadley's possessions. And they're prepared to do anything in their power to stop her. But who? The range of suspects runs from the rogue weres who reject Sookie as a friend of the pack to the vampire queen herself, who could be working through a particularly vulnerable subject--Sookie's first love, Bill.

Whoever it is, they're definitely dangerous--and Sookie's life is definitely on the line . . .

Although not perfect, I enjoyed Definitely Dead: 4 out of 5.

I usually try to avoid spoilers, but there's so much I want to say here that I'm not going to try for obscurity. OK, actually, I'll try for some obscurity, so scroll over the white space if you want to see all the text; however, there are still spoilers ahead. That's your warning--if you don't want to have the story spoiled, stop reading this review now.

Last chance . . .

Sookie's on the road in this installment, and she's got a new man in her life, shifter Quinn. I haven't decided yet what I think about him, mainly because I don't feel like we've really gotten to know him yet. I was amused by this part:

It was a little startling to see the tiger mark his new territory--this is not something you expect to see your boyfriend do--but I decided it would just be ridiculous to mind the display. Besides, I had enough to think about, keeping up with the tiger.

I still enjoy Sookie's sense of humor, although it was sorely tried in this book (see developments below).

It's no secret I'm a fan of Eric. He was in this story, but not nearly as much as I like. I wonder whether he'll continue to pursue Sookie or not. It's not like him to give up, but I have to wonder about his response when he learned Sookie has fairy in her blood. Since vampires are so attracted to fairies it's almost an addiction, it made me wonder whether he'll decide that's why he cares for her. It'll be interesting to see what happens with him. I wouldn't rule him out yet.

As for Bill? Well, I wouldn't rule him out yet either, although I had in the previous book. It's a bit contrary, actually, since in this installment we learn that Bill was ordered by the Queen to get close to Sookie in the first book. Did this upset me? A little, although I was prepared for it since I'd stumbled on a spoiler at another blog. But I didn't see it as his choice--how could he tell the queen no? And I believe him when he said he fell in love with her. I felt bad for him by the end. Still, I think it's going to take some doing for Sookie to go back to him.

The mystery was interesting, although I thought the Debbie Pelt plot was resolved a bit too simply. I wouldn't be surprised to see it continue in the future, though it would probably be several books down the road.

Those are my initial thoughts. I may come back and add to them later. Also, I plan to go back to obscuring spoilers in future posts.